Layers of Understanding

It makes sense for the serious golfer to consult a “Pro” and the dedicated singer to have a “Coach”. T’ai Chi Chih practitioners also have “Master Teachers”, Justin and Ed, who make themselves available during conventions, teacher training courses and teacher renewals.

For those who avail themselves of these opportunities and build on them, layers of understanding evolve.

The T’ai Chi Chih Journal, Vital Force, is also a trenchant vehicle for education and inspiration. An example in point is Amy Hackenberg’s article in the December 1998 issue. Amy shares the wealth of ideas given by Ed for refining movements during the sessions in Evanston, Illinois. The points summarized by Amy have great meaning for me as I strive to deepen my practice. The concept of “low heels” and “groundedness” in relation to “yinning and [yanging]” heightens my consciousness of weight shifting which I have been working at since auditing in Mahwah last summer. Further reinforcement of this is found in the images of Rocking Chair, Hourglass and Stack of Coins from Ed’s “Imaging Tools” of September 1998.

It was gratifying to see the results of many layers of understanding when the San Diego T’ai Chi Chih group appeared on CBS Television Saturday morning, January 16, 1998. The pleasure of watching the group can only be surpassed by the personal exhilaration of moving smoothly with softness and continuity.